It’s the final day of the last sixteen and the Quarter final line up is almost complete. Today we have Argentina v Switzerland and Belgium v USA. Both promise to be cracking encounters. Will Argentina leave it to Messi to yet again get them out of a hole and will the USA’s team spirit once again come to the fore against more fancied opposition?
They are both intriguing encounters and should keep up the high standard of what’s been an excellent World Cup.
Odds for US players are quoted from Bovada, a sportsbook which takes American customers.
Argentina v Switzerland
Messi has dragged Argentina into the last 16 almost single handedly. He has been the difference for Argentina and has turned games in their favour throughout the tournament. Given the talent available to Argentina this shouldn’t happen, but it has certainly been the case so far.This over-reliance means that he can’t afford to have an off day. One player who has looked like he could pick up the slack is Angel Di Maria. Get on him at 10/3 with Coral or 5/2 with Bovada to score at any time. Switzerland had to rely on their own star man to get them into the last sixteen.
Shaqiri scored an excellent hat-trick in the final group game and he’ll be looking to continue this form against a less than convincing Argentina defence. He could cause problems and for this reason I don’t think Argentina will get it all their own way. Draw half time/ Argentina full time is 7/2 with Bet Victor or 3/1 with Bovada. It should be a close encounter and I think under 2.5 goals at 11/10 with Paddy Power.
Top Bet: Draw half time/Argentina full time at 7/2 with Bet Victor or 3/1 with Bovada.
Belgium v USA
This is a very interesting encounter. Belgium were many people’s pre tournament ‘dark horses’ to make a big impact at the World Cup and while they have won all three of their group matches, I think they have been less than convincing. They have started their games slowly and have won all three by a single goal margin. They have relied on their power to grind teams down and haven’t really shown the flair you would expect from a team containing Hazard, Mertens and Miralles. In the USA they face a team who will be able to match their athleticism and power. America have shown a great deal of hard work which has been underpinned by a great team spirit.
They were very unlucky not to get a draw against Germany and, if not for poor decision making, should have beaten Portugal. I think they can get a win against Belgium. At 10/3 (Bet365) or 13/5 (Bovada) I feel they are over-priced. The 2/1 on offer from Coral for USA to qualify is also a very decent bet. Clint Dempsey has been something of a talisman for the USA and he is a good price at 7/2 with BoyleSport or 5/2 with Bovada to score at any time. I think the best value, however, is for a USA win and Both Teams to Score. This is a massive 9/1 with Stan James or 13/2 with Bovada.
Top Bet: USA to Win and Both Teams to Score at 9/1 with Stan James or 13/2 with Bovada.
